DAVENPORT, Iowa — There are some Democrats in Iowa who aren’t all that “Ready for Hillary.” There’s little evidence they’re ready for Martin O’Malley, either.
“I think it’s because they haven’t met me yet,” O’Malley said.
The former Maryland governor is spending the weekend campaigning in Iowa, where certain Democrats have a strong desire for an alternative to Hillary Clinton, who, if she decides to run, will enter the race for the party’s 2016 presidential nomination as a dominant front-runner.
Some don’t find Clinton liberal enough; others enjoy their role vetting candidates. Still others value a competitive caucus season for party fundraising and organizing.
“I think probably Clinton is a shoo-in, but I want someone in the race who will push a little bit to the left,” said Monica Kurth of Davenport, who attended the Scott County Democratic dinner where O’Malley spoke on Friday evening.
No matter the reason, those seeking competition for Clinton acknowledge besting the former secretary of state will require an act of herculean political strength. In a way, O’Malley does, too.
At a certain point, he said, “the race quickly narrows between the once-inevitable front-runner and the new and unknown candidate who emerges to offer a more compelling alternative.”
O’Malley, who first came to Iowa in 1983 as a volunteer for Gary Hart’s presidential campaign, has invested heavily in the state. He made four trips to Iowa last year, put 14 staffers to work on state campaigns and contributed nearly $50,000 to local candidates.
O’Malley touted his time in office during his speech Friday, including his work to raise Maryland’s minimum wage and increase state spending on education.
